Conquering rivals, defying odds: Donald Trump secures Republican nomination

Trump will contest Nov 8 US polls with Indiana Governor Mike Pence as running mate

CLEVELAND: Thirteen months after launching an improbable bid for the White House, Donald Trump formally captured the 2016 Republican presidential nomination on Tuesday, having vanquished 16 party rivals, warred with much of its establishment and provoked controversy at every turn.

After a roller-coaster campaign, the tycoon said it was time to “go all the way” and beat the presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in November.

“This is a movement,” he told the delegates via video link.

On the convention floor, states from Alabama to West Virginia took it in turns to pledge their delegates.

His eldest child, Donald Trump Jr., announced the support of New York, their home state, during a roll-call vote at the Republican National Convention, ensuring Trump had the majority of delegates - 1,237 - needed to contest the November 8 US presidential election against presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

With three of the candidate’s other children at his side, the younger Trump said, “It is my honour to be able to throw Donald Trump over the top in the delegate count tonight.”

“Congratulations, Dad. We love you,” he said.

Trump’s Democratic rival, Clinton, was quick to respond, tweeting after the vote, “Donald Trump just became the Republican nominee. Chip in now to make sure he never steps foot in the Oval Office.”

Trump ended up with a total of 1,725 delegates, followed by Senator Ted Cruz of Texas with 475 delegates, Ohio Governor John Kasich with 120 and Senator Marco Rubio of Florida with 114.

After the presidential vote, the convention by voice vote nominated Indiana Governor Mike Pence,  Trump’s choice for his vice presidential running mate.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 21^st, 2016.